Pros and Cons of Stomach Bypass Surgery

If your stomach is larger than you’d like or has more fat than you like then a stomach bypass surgery may be just the thing for you. Also known as a gastric bypass, this type of surgery helps you to reduce your weight by restricting the amount of food that you can eat. This is definitely something you’ll want to look into if you feel like losing weight is more difficult than you can handle through diet and exercise.

Are You A Candidate?

Those who are very overweight and have not been able to lose that weight (or maybe are not capable of losing that weight) you may be a great candidate for this surgery. Not only that, but those who are excessively overweight and in danger to their own health may also be great candidates as this type of surgery requires a change in diet and habits which reduces weight.

The smaller section is closed off through stapling to create a small pouch

The larger section is left separate

The smaller section and part of the intestines are cut apart and reattached to a lower section of the intestines

The bypassed section of the intestines keeps the body from absorbing as much fat or calories

What You Should Know

It’s important to consider the side effects or potential problems that could occur as a result of this type of surgery before you decide to take it on for yourself. There are always complications possible when it comes to any type of surgery and this can include:

Infection

Digestive problems

Ulcers

Bleeding or leaking

Minor side effects are found within up to 10% of people while more serious side effects are found in 1-5%. The more advanced and experienced the location that you complete your surgery the lower the chances of complications.

How it Helps

When you get this type of surgery it’s going to help you by making it a whole lot easier for you to eat less. The smaller portion of the stomach, the only part that’s connected to your digestive system, is able to hold only about 1 cup of food. This means you’ll be able to eat less and still feel full, one of the common complaints among those who are attempting to diet.

If you’re looking for a way to lose a large amount of weight but dieting and exercise haven’t worked out, this is definitely something to consider and talk to your doctor about. They’ll be the ones to tell you what your best options are.